THINGS TO DO IN MILWAUKEE WITH KIDS

6 must-visit libraries for kids in Milwaukee

There are 13 Milwaukee Public Library branches offering amazing programs for kids and families. Six stand out above the rest, in our humble opinion. Read on for little-known facts, library art, and secret hiding spots!

Bay View Library

2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

(414) 286-3000

Artist Peter Flanary created three mosaic maps that depict Bay View throughout history. You’ll find them on the linoleum floor of the lobby. One mosaic represents Bay View at the time of settlement in 1832. Another depicts the area around 1900, when a steel mill on the lakefront contributed to rapid growth in the community. The third mural represents life in Bay View today. Don’t miss the children’s area in the library with toys, stuffed animals, computers, books, and more.

Central Library

814 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233

(414) 286-3000

mpl.org

Drop in at Central Library every single Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for a fun kids program in the Children’s Herzfield Activity Center. The activities are always changing and are themed for the time of year. The programs include stories, songs, crafts, and more.

The Betty Brinn Children’s Room at Central Library gives kids their very own separate area to explore. There’s a lighthouse to climb, plenty of cozy reading alcoves, 30 computers, and special children’s book collections grouped together.

Fun Fact: The stained glass window in the Central Library Children’s Room is called the “Hans Christian Andersen Window”. It was designed by Marie Herndl in 1896, one of the only women in her field at the time. It was restored for the grand opening of the children’s room in 1998.

East Library

2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee, WI 53211

(414) 286-3000

Visit the East Library and check out unique and functional public art with your kids. Artist Ray Chi designed a leaping, circular sculpture that is at once art and a functional bike rack. He also built a living, growing sculpture of a serpent that winds along the ground and grows into a planted wall. Even the entrance of the library is unique, with outdoor seating that is inspired by the pebbles found on Lake Michigan. The East Library offers family-friendly programming all year round, such as pajama story time and family yoga. (Photo by Grace Fuhr)

Martin Luther King

310 W. Locust St., Milwaukee, WI 53212

(414) 286-3000

Each year, the Martin Luther King Library hosts a celebration on Martin Luther King Day that includes hands-on activities for kids, visits from dignitaries, and live entertainment throughout the day. The library also houses a collection of permanent art, some of it having to do with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Look for Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.’s accordion book, which showcases Dr. King’s most famous quotations.

Mitchell Street Library

906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

(414) 286-3000

The recently renovated Mitchell Street Branch used to be home to a department store, and it’s the largest of Milwaukee Public Library’s branches. You’ll find a bright and expansive space with a high-tech maker-space, laptops for checkout, a children’s collection, puppets, audio books on c.d.'s, and a cozy reading area with a fireplace.

Tippecanoe Library

3912 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

(414) 286-3000

The newly renovated Tippecanoe branch is home to a “secret garden” inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 book of the same name. It’s a lovely outdoor space for children accessed from the children’s area. It is currently only open during special events which you can find on their calendar. Kids can read, play, and think in this special space designed just for them.

Reader's Favorite Libraries

Our Instagram community reached out with some of their favorite libraries, and here's what they had to say:

West Bend | Cedarburg | Germantown Libraries

"The BEST play areas!"

Greenfield Library

"They have it all! Kiddos love it there."

Shorewood Public Library

"The play area is a life saver!"

Wauwatosa Public Library

"Adorable kids' reading room where the walls are all giant book covers."

"Play area with train table, block, and puzzles. Great story time / rhyme time."